On my main page, I mention that I created this blog with the intention of writing at least once a week. Like many of my intentions, I have not really fulfilled this one. I have several started writings that I haven't finished, and some ideas that I both want and fear to write, that have been holding me back. Since I'm not teaching a Saturday class this term (or the next, or the next after that), I figured I could use the relative quite of my Saturday mornings to try and accomplish what I originally set out to do. That said, here are a few thoughts from this week:
Advent Concert
On December 1st, my church (Saint Mary Star of the Sea) is hosting its annual advent concert. I have a bit of a duet in one of the songs and I would like for those friends and family who can to attend. It is usually a gorgeous concert, its free (although I believe donations are accepted), and there is a banquet of cookies and brownies once it is over.
Evil's Existence Proves That God Is Good
I have been in a debate this week about the nature of God. The argument of my debate partner is that if God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and that nothing can exist outside of the will of God, then if evil exists, God must also be evil. My answer is that the existence of evil proves that God is good. First, death and suffering are not themselves evil (evil forces have simply been trying to convince us that they are). Evil is determined by intent. God's intent is pure good, thus God is good. More so, God's two greatest gifts to His creation is life and free will. Being all-powerful, he could force His will upon us and only allow good to occur, but that would destroy His own gift (an evil act). Instead, the fact the we have the free will to choose between good and evil intents proves that He is the ultimate good. The expression "If you truly love someone, then you will set that person free" holds true in this argument. God does not want mindless devotion. He wants us to return His love, but is not going to force us to that conclusion. Instead, He patiently waits for us and guides those who ask until the end of the endless when we join with His angels in the eternal Alleluia.
Handyman
My parents just received a new oven, microwave, and refrigerator (which all look great in their redesigned kitchen). Unfortunately, the cabinet around the refrigerator does not give quite enough clearance and the microwave needs to be installed above the oven. Concerned that the installation fees are too high, my parents would ask if I would do it. When I first looked at the job, I was set to tell them to have the professionals look at it, but my hero-complex activated and I told them I would do it. I am heading over a little later today; we'll have to see how it goes.
Comcast
Comcast raised my bill by more than $20 a month (granted, the "more than" is due to taxes) for a monthly total of over $150. I have become accustomed to my DVR and having access to shows like Downton Abbey and Dr. Who, but my main options (as told to me by Comcast) currently are: keep the same services at this higher price (which was a little too high even before the price increase ), take a promotion which will give me more channels (including HBO) and faster internet (double the speed) for the same price but will increase by another $20 in another year, or remove some of my services. I planned on dropping Comcast entirely, but have since discovered that they are the ONLY high speed internet service available to our neighborhood (with the exception of satellite which does not provide the upload speeds I need). I am still unsure which way I am going to go on this one.
Advent Concert
On December 1st, my church (Saint Mary Star of the Sea) is hosting its annual advent concert. I have a bit of a duet in one of the songs and I would like for those friends and family who can to attend. It is usually a gorgeous concert, its free (although I believe donations are accepted), and there is a banquet of cookies and brownies once it is over.
Evil's Existence Proves That God Is Good
I have been in a debate this week about the nature of God. The argument of my debate partner is that if God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and that nothing can exist outside of the will of God, then if evil exists, God must also be evil. My answer is that the existence of evil proves that God is good. First, death and suffering are not themselves evil (evil forces have simply been trying to convince us that they are). Evil is determined by intent. God's intent is pure good, thus God is good. More so, God's two greatest gifts to His creation is life and free will. Being all-powerful, he could force His will upon us and only allow good to occur, but that would destroy His own gift (an evil act). Instead, the fact the we have the free will to choose between good and evil intents proves that He is the ultimate good. The expression "If you truly love someone, then you will set that person free" holds true in this argument. God does not want mindless devotion. He wants us to return His love, but is not going to force us to that conclusion. Instead, He patiently waits for us and guides those who ask until the end of the endless when we join with His angels in the eternal Alleluia.
Handyman
My parents just received a new oven, microwave, and refrigerator (which all look great in their redesigned kitchen). Unfortunately, the cabinet around the refrigerator does not give quite enough clearance and the microwave needs to be installed above the oven. Concerned that the installation fees are too high, my parents would ask if I would do it. When I first looked at the job, I was set to tell them to have the professionals look at it, but my hero-complex activated and I told them I would do it. I am heading over a little later today; we'll have to see how it goes.
Comcast
Comcast raised my bill by more than $20 a month (granted, the "more than" is due to taxes) for a monthly total of over $150. I have become accustomed to my DVR and having access to shows like Downton Abbey and Dr. Who, but my main options (as told to me by Comcast) currently are: keep the same services at this higher price (which was a little too high even before the price increase ), take a promotion which will give me more channels (including HBO) and faster internet (double the speed) for the same price but will increase by another $20 in another year, or remove some of my services. I planned on dropping Comcast entirely, but have since discovered that they are the ONLY high speed internet service available to our neighborhood (with the exception of satellite which does not provide the upload speeds I need). I am still unsure which way I am going to go on this one.
RSS Feed
